Two Women Make History by Passing Army’s Elite Ranger School

96 soldiers were winnowed from 400 — 19 of them women — who started the course on April 20

For the first time ever, two women have successfully completed the Army’s elite Ranger school, one of the toughest combat training courses in the world, the Army said Monday.

The female soldiers weren’t identified beyond being described as West Point-trained officers. They were among 96 soldiers who will graduate Friday at Fort Benning, Georgia, with the coveted Ranger tab, the Army said.

The 96 soldiers were winnowed from 400 — 19 of them women — who started the course on April 20. Over the following weeks, more than three-quarters of the trainees fell short of making it through grueling training marked by limited meals, sleep deprivation and physical tests in harsh conditions — all while hauling a 60-pound rucksack.

“This course has proven that every soldier, regardless of gender, can achieve his or her full potential,” Army Secretary John McHugh.